(If you have been diagnosed with arthritis there are ways you can make your life easier and manage to live with it.)

Suppose you suffer occasional twinges of pain in your knees (they are the most commonly affected joints), or ankles or any other joint. Or you may suffer from on and off back pain. At first, you may not take it seriously and either take a pain killer or apply a spray or cream and perhaps use heat to manage the pain.

It is only when you realize that you have a chronic or acute problem that you will visit a doctor. If he or she suspects arthritis or any arthritis related disorder, he will ask for further investigations. Arthritis covers a range of joint disorder including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, bone spurs, and others. Sometimes osteoporosis also has similar symptoms as arthritis.

Can arthritis be cured?

Unfortunately arthritis is considered to be part of the ageing process. If you have a predilection towards it, because of family history, obesity or other problems, there are higher chances of your getting it. Unfortunately there is no 'cure' for arthritis. In some cases joint replacement (where artificial joints are used) surgery offers relief and a return to normalcy.

Many doctors, now advocate joint replacement early rather than later, where it is possible. The younger you are, the faster will be the healing process. However, artificial joints have a life span and you may have to repeat the surgery after some years.

The remedies in allopathy include NSAIDs - non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs - which include all kinds of pain killers, occasional regimens of cortisone drugs, cortisone injections directly into the part affected. However, it is not a good idea to be on pain killers throughout your life as these can have many side effects and after some time, your body will need higher doses.

Natural remedies

Physiotherapy which includes hot wax treatment, sound and electric treatments may offer some relief. Then there are many alterative remedies including homeopathy, ayurveda, holistic medicines, naturopathy, herbal remedies and more.

Some other remedies which may not be approved by FDA include glucosamine in various combinations and New Zealand green lipped mussel extract. Both are remedies based on marine life. People have reported amazing results with either of these remedies, but then there are also people who have debunked both these remedies as money making scams. Naturally, if any remedy works for you, you are going to appreciate it.

Managing with arthritis

You can manage to live with arthritis - millions do. However, in order to have a good quality of life and maintain mobility, these are things you can and should do:

* Lose weight.

* Make your house safe, particularly areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Put bar and grips wherever necessary so you don't put unnecessary strain on the affected joints.

* If you cannot follow your normal exercise regime, change it. Swimming and water based exercises put less strain on the joints.

* Try alternative treatments and remedies, till you find something that works for you.

* Seek help before it is too late - the earlier you receive medical intervention, the better.

You don't need to let arthritis rule your life. However, you may have to make some changes to your regular habits, whether it is diet or exercise or moving around, but these will help you live longer and healthier.

http://www.arthritisinc.com/managing-arthritis-pain-how-you-can-stay-in-control-of-your-arthritis/
http://www.mrityunjaya.org/managing-arthritis-through-yoga-diet-and-pranayama/
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/PainManagement/story?id=4650107&page=1
http://www.wellnessletter.com/html/fw/fwLon10ManageArthritis.html
http://www.natural-arthritis-medication.com/herbal_remedy.shtml